India Clinches Champions Trophy 2025 with Hard-Fought win Over New Zealand

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India emerged victorious in the Champions Trophy final, defeating New Zealand in Dubai on Sunday 9th March 2025 . However, the win did not come as easily as expected, with the Kiwis putting up a strong fight. In the end, Rohit Sharma and his team remained unbeaten in the tournament, securing the coveted title. This victory also served as redemption for India's loss to New Zealand in the Champions Trophy final 25 years ago under Sourav Ganguly’s captaincy.

For Rohit, this marks a second ICC trophy in just nine months, following India's T20 World Cup triumph in June last year. The win also establishes Gautam Gambhir’s success as a coach, as he led the team to an ICC title in his very first assignment.

Rohit's Unlucky Streak at the Toss Continues

Throughout the tournament, Rohit Sharma was unable to win a single toss, and the final was no exception. This set an unusual record for the Indian captain in one-day cricket. However, despite losing the toss again, India managed to come out on top, securing a well-deserved victory.

Strong Start for New Zealand

Batting first, New Zealand got off to a promising start. Openers Rachin Ravindra and Will Young played aggressively, targeting Indian pacers Mohammed Shami and Hardik Pandya. It appeared as though the Kiwi openers were aiming for a big total, prompting Rohit to introduce spin early in the powerplay.

Varun Chakravarthy Brings India Back

Varun Chakravarthy once again proved to be India’s game-changer. He immediately created an opportunity, inducing a mistimed shot from Rachin, but Shreyas Iyer dropped the catch at the boundary. Undeterred, Varun struck soon after, dismissing Young lbw for 15. Later, when Glenn Phillips attempted to accelerate, Varun bowled him for 34, finishing with figures of 2/45 in his 10 overs.

Kuldeep Yadav’s Impactful Spell

Unlike previous matches where Kuldeep Yadav was introduced late, Rohit gave him the ball early in this game—a decision that paid off. Kuldeep bowled Rachin for 37 with his very first delivery and then removed New Zealand’s most experienced batter, Kane Williamson, for just 11 caught & bowled . These twin blows pushed New Zealand on the back foot. Kuldeep finished with figures of 2/40 from his 10 overs.

Daryl Mitchell’s Resilient Knock

With wickets falling at regular intervals, New Zealand needed a partnership, and Daryl Mitchell stepped up. He played cautiously, ensuring his team did not suffer a collapse. He formed crucial stands with Tom Latham, Glenn Phillips, and Michael Bracewell, gradually steering New Zealand towards a competitive total. Mitchell reached his fifty off 91 balls and eventually scored 63 before being dismissed by Shami.

Bracewell’s Late Flourish

At one point, it seemed New Zealand might struggle to reach even 220, but Michael Bracewell played a crucial role in lifting their total. He targeted India’s pacers, played aggressive strokes, and accelerated towards the end. His sparkling knock of unbeaten 53 off 40 balls helped New Zealand post a respectable 251/7.

Pacers Struggle as Spinners Shine for India

While India’s spinners dominated, the pacers had a rough day. Shami conceded 74 runs in 9 overs, picking up just one wicket, while Hardik leaked 30 runs in his three-over spell without any breakthroughs. The two pacers combined gave away 104 runs in 12 overs, while the spinners managed 144 runs in 38 overs—highlighting the contrasting performances.

Fielding Lapses Hurt India

India’s fielding was far from perfect in the final. Four catches were dropped—by Shami, Rohit, Shreyas, and Shubman Gill—allowing New Zealand to capitalize. Additionally, Kuldeep and Gill misfielded at the boundary, turning singles into doubles. Had India been sharper in the field, they could have restricted New Zealand to a much lower total.

Rohit’s Aggressive Start Sets the Tone

Chasing 252, Rohit Sharma launched his innings in typical fashion, hitting a six off the very first ball. He dominated New Zealand’s pacers, knowing that scoring against them would be easier. Kiwi captain Mitchell Santner made a tactical error by using his pacers extensively early on, a move that played into India’s hands. Rohit registered his first half-century of the tournament, scoring 76 before falling to Rachin.

Phillips’ Stunning Catch Revives New Zealand

Glenn Phillips, known for his exceptional fielding, once again produced a game-changing moment. Having taken brilliant catches earlier in the tournament—including dismissing Mohammad Rizwan and Virat Kohli—he stunned everyone by leaping  full length to grab Gill’s lofted  cover drive, bringing New Zealand back into the contest.

Kohli Falls Cheaply

Virat Kohli had been in fine form throughout the tournament, but in the final, he could only manage a single run before being trapped LBW by Bracewell. His early dismissal, followed by Rohit's departure, put India under pressure as New Zealand clawed back into the match.

New Zealand’s Fielding Outshines India’s

Despite losing the match, New Zealand outperformed India in the field. Their fielders were sharp, cutting off boundaries and making singles difficult. The increase in dot balls piled pressure on the Indian batters, proving how crucial fielding can be in a high-stakes final.

Shreyas-Axar’s Steadying Partnership

With India in a tricky situation, Shreyas Iyer and Axar Patel put together a crucial 61-run stand. They played cautiously at first, avoiding risky shots, and capitalized on loose deliveries. However, Shreyas was given a lifeline when Kyle Jamieson dropped his catch, but he failed to make the most of it, departing for 48 off Santner’s bowling.

New Zealand Refuses to Give Up

Even as India edged closer to victory, New Zealand continued to fight. Their spinners bowled tight lines, forcing the batters to take risks. Axar attempted an unnecessary big shot and fell for 29, making the chase slightly more complicated than it needed to be.

Rahul and Hardik Seal the Win

Despite the mounting pressure, KL Rahul and Hardik Pandya displayed remarkable composure. They played cautiously against Bracewell and Santner, knowing that once the spinners finished their spells, the Kiwi attack would weaken. After Hardik’s dismissal, Rahul (34*) ensured there were no further hiccups.

As Ravindra Jadeja’s shot cleared the boundary to seal the victory, Indian fans erupted in celebration. India lifted the Champions Trophy, capping off a thrilling tournament with a well-deserved triumph.

Rohit Sharma for his match winning 76 was the player of the match  while young Rachin Ravindra with 263 runs at 65 average & 106 strike rate with 2 centuries was adjudged the player of the series. getter in this CT as above , Matt Henry was the highest wicket taker with 10 wickets followed by Mohammed Shami & Varun Chakravarty with 9 each . 

As for the Indian run getters Shreyas Iyer with 243 runs led the pack , Iyer averaged 49 & had 79 strike rate . Next highest  run getter was Virat Kohli (218 runs , avg 54 , SR 82) followed by Gill (188 runs, 47 average & 75 strike rate ) Rohit (180 runs 36 average 100 Strike rate) & KL Rahul (140 runs, 140 avrage , 97 strike  rate).